Magical Singh and Cevaer top bunch at London Club

By Tom Pilcher

ASH, England (Reuters) - Indian Jeev Milkha Singh produced a back-nine birdie blitz to take a share of the lead with Frenchman Christian Cevaer after the third round of the European Open on Saturday.

Defying blustery conditions, Singh carded a 71 and Cevaer a 70 to move to nine under par heading into Sunday's final round, three strokes clear of Rory McIlroy (68), Chris Wood (68) and Alvaro Quiros (69).

While Cevaer was steady, Singh dropped to five-under after back-to-back bogeys at 10 and 11 before surging back with four birdies and three pars over the last seven testing holes.

"A finish like that doesn't happen too often but I'll take it," the 37-year-old triple tour winner Singh told reporters.

Cevaer is without a tour win since the 2004 Spanish Open and has been in poor form this season.

"I'm happy to be swinging well and I even found some juice out there with a bit of adrenaline," he said. "I enjoyed it very much."

YOUNG GUNS

Mop-haired McIlroy showed little discomfort despite back pain, easily reaching the par-five fifth in two following a 400-plus yard drive.